Northern Illinois Huskies vs Northern Kentucky Norse Point Spread Picks

Rebuilding Northern Illinois is struggling away from home, dropping three of four road contests. The Huskies allow 84 ppg on the road. Northern Illinois is a weak free throw shooting team (68.1%) and lives by the three-pointer, but they face a terrific Northern Kentucky defense. Northern Kentucky allows 37.8 percent shooting, #17 nationally, and has 85 steals. They allow 65.4 points per game to rank #57 in the country. Northern Kentucky is 7-0 straight up at BB&T Arena this season, outscoring visitors by a 75-62 average, and riding a 15-game non-conference home winning streak. They are 15-7-1 ATS at home against opponents with a losing road record. These teams clashed last month, an 88-85 OT win by Northern Kentucky on the road shooting 49.2%. They held Northern Illinois to 40.8% shooting, including 6-of-23 (26%) from long range. They match up well and winning at home will be much easier. Play Northern Kentucky.

Both Northern Kentucky and Northern Illinois easily found the win column in their opener. The Norse were particularly sharp in winning 102-38 and over the years a team that many are not familiar with has been a solid program. The Huskies may have more experience as they return all five starters but the Norse bring back three starters, some quality depth, and newcomers that look ready to step up. Northern Kentucky is also favored on the road, so you can quickly see that the oddsmakers are on board with this team. Lay the points and take Northern Kentucky.